One of the most significant trends I’ve observed this year is the rapid acceleration of innovation, not just in tools and technologies, but also in the methodologies electrical contractors employ to manage their businesses. Innovation has transformed from being a bonus to becoming the foundational baseline.
What has struck me the most is how Schneider Electric is on this very journey. We’re continuously evolving the solutions we introduce to the market, investing heavily in our supply chain, and fine-tuning the internal business models that support our customers. Recently, we announced an investment of over $1 billion in our U.S. operations aimed at enhancing supply chain capabilities to meet the rising demand for digitalization, automation, and advanced manufacturing within America.
In my role, I have the privilege of collaborating with industry leaders through organizations like NECA, IEC, and Electri—partnerships we have proudly maintained for over a decade. These relationships aren’t merely affiliations; they are platforms for shared dialogue and meaningful progress. We’re not merely discussing products—we’re solving problems, co-creating solutions, and uncovering new opportunities together as genuine partners.
Sometimes, the opportunities we encounter are uniquely suited for Schneider Electric’s support, like optimizing energy usage. Other times, it’s about showing up with a sincere intent to listen and engage, because we genuinely care about the well-being and success of the electrical contracting industry. With over 135 years of experience, Schneider Electric offers an extensive wealth of knowledge and expertise. This channel has always been—and will continue to be a central aspect of our identity.
Redefining the role: Innovation, leadership, and the future of electrical contracting
The future of this industry will be shaped by those willing to learn, unlearn, and rebuild at a pace that matches the rapid changes in the environment. From what I’ve observed this year, the electrical contracting community is rising to meet this moment, with determination, creativity, and an increasing hunger for collaboration.
I’ve witnessed this innovative mindset firsthand at events like the Electri International Council Meeting, NECA Future Leaders Conference, and NECA NOW Conference this year. At the Electri International Council meeting in January, I had the privilege of leading a breakout discussion focused on innovation within electrical contracting. Amidst nearly 20 emerging themes, one topic consistently surfaced: electrical contractors are being increasingly asked to address design gaps, often without formal scope or compensation.
This is not merely a passing trend—it represents a fundamental shift. Contractors are stepping into design roles, solving for constructability and compliance in real-time due to incomplete or outdated plans. During our session, we stressed the importance of recognizing and properly scoping these contributions. It’s time to cease treating this as business as usual and start valuing the evolving role electrical contractors play in project delivery.
At the Future Leaders Conference, Schneider Electric’s Matthew Wood led an insightful session on Navigating Software Change Management, where we shared how we’ve managed complex organizational changes—an experience that resonates with many contractors preparing for the future.
I’ve also observed a growing emphasis on workforce development as an essential aspect of industry innovation. At the NECA Now Conference, Schneider Electric’s Brandy Malone led a dynamic discussion on Empowering the Construction Workforce, alongside NECA leaders Ronald Bailey, Marco Giamberardino, and Ian Andrews. It was a valuable opportunity to unite experts focused on advancing policies and programs that fortify our industry’s talent pipeline.
Events like these underscore how Schneider Electric shows up—not merely as a manufacturer, but as a genuine partner committed to the future of the electrical contracting workforce. These organizations are allocating real resources towards not only technology adoption but also leadership development—investing in today’s decision-makers while nurturing a strong bench for tomorrow. It’s inspiring to witness how deliberate they are about preparing future leaders for the swiftly evolving landscape of the electrical contracting industry.
Let’s keep the conversation going!
As someone who has observed this transformation closely, I am proud that Schneider Electric is not just participating—but actively partnering—on this journey. We are dedicated to supporting innovation, workforce development, and leadership growth at every step of the way.
What trends are you noticing in the electrical contracting industry? I would love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment and let’s continue the conversation.
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